Obasanjo Takes Fresh Swipe Atiku, Calls VP Choice His Biggest Mistake

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described his decision to select Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election as the biggest mistake he made during his political career.

Obasanjo made the remark while reflecting on major decisions he took throughout his public life, stating that choosing Atiku as his deputy when he contested for the presidency in 1999 was one decision he would have handled differently.

The former president said the decision was made in good faith at the time, but events that unfolded during their administration later changed his view about the choice.

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Obasanjo and Atiku served together between 1999 and 2007 after emerging victorious in the presidential election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, but their relationship later became strained over political disagreements.

The disagreement between both leaders became more pronounced towards the end of Obasanjo’s administration, particularly during controversies surrounding alleged moves for a third term bid and succession plans.

The political fallout eventually led Atiku to leave the PDP ahead of the 2007 presidential election, where he contested under another platform after his disagreement with Obasanjo.

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Despite their past differences, both politicians later reconciled, with Obasanjo meeting and engaging with Atiku at different times after leaving office.

The latest comment has revived discussions about one of Nigeria’s most significant political partnerships, which began with a historic alliance in 1999 but later became enveloped by disagreements and public exchanges.

Political pundits say the remark could generate fresh reactions within political circles, especially as Nigeria moves closer to another election cycle where old alliances and past rivalries continue to characterize conversations.

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Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s vice president from 1999 to 2007, has remained a major figure in Nigerian politics and has contested for the presidency multiple times after leaving office.

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